Pruning Pine Silvopasture in the Southeast Pruning a Pine Plantation Lecture 4a Slide 212 Trees grown in lower density silvopasture produce more branches Growth of branches affects eventual lumber quality by producing knots ID: 334453
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Slide1
module #4
Pruning
Pine Silvopasture in the Southeast Slide2
Pruning a Pine Plantation?
{Lecture 4a} Slide: 2/12
Trees grown in lower density silvopasture produce more branches
Growth of branches affects eventual lumber quality by producing knots
After branches die, their bases continue to be surrounded by the growing trunk and knots are formed
Open grown loblolly pineSlide3
Clearwood
vs. Knots
{Lecture 4a} Slide: 3/12
In a silvopasture system, pruning is essential to improve wood quality
Pruning confines the knots produced by branches to a small diameter producing higher quality, knot-free “
clearwood
” which fetches a higher priceSlide4
When to Prune
{Lecture 4a} Slide: 4/12
The first pruning should be initiated in the late winter or early spring when the trees have reached 15 to 20 feet tall. By then, the tree should have plenty of branches and root stability to handle pruning. Slide5
Pruning Goal
{Lecture 4a} Slide: 5/12
Pruning should remove all of the lower branches but never more than half of the total crown.
1
st
pruningSlide6
Successive Pruning
{Lecture 4a} Slide: 6/12
In successive
prunings
, the goal is to remove up to ½ of the canopy to eventually create an 18 to 32 foot branch-free trunk
2
nd
and successive pruningSlide7
Pruning Technique for Large Branches
{Lecture 4a} Slide: 7/12
Begin pruning cuts on the upper or “branch bark ridge” side of the branch.
For larger branches more than 2 inches in diameter, the first and second cuts (shown above) will prevent the branch from breaking off and damaging the tree by stripping bark from the trunkSlide8
Pruning Equipment
{Lecture 4a} Slide: 8/12
Pruning shears or saws can be used for pruning. Make sure your pruning equipment is sharp to ensure clean cuts!
Avoid pruning with machetes as clean cuts are harder to achieve and tree damage can occur.
Some arborists recommend sterilizing blades with alcohol after pruning each tree to minimize risks of fungal/rust infectionsSlide9
Loppers vs. Saws
{Lecture 4a} Slide: 9/12
While smaller branches can be lopped off with pruning shears…
…pruning saws are recommended to make clean cuts on larger branchesSlide10
Other Benefits of Pruning
{Lecture 4a} Slide: 10/12
Pruning also allows more sunlight to hit the ground stimulating forage growth and creating an open, aesthetic environmentSlide11
Frequency and Expense
{Lecture 4a} Slide: 11/12
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Pruning may occur at 5 year increments depending on tree spacing and growth
Costs have been estimated at around $0.50 to $1.00 per tree depending on the size of the treeSlide12
Summary
{Lecture 4a} Slide: 12/12
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
While not commonly practiced in traditional plantation forestry, proper pruning creates higher-quality timber
If you
have additional questions
regarding technique or equipment for pruning, you may contact an area arborist or county Cooperative Extension office for tips and suggestions